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Thinking about SYC in 2011

Kari

Veteran

I've been toying with the idea of a 6 month SYC starting on January 1. I am not sure if I am going to be 100% strict on NO new clothes, particularly since I have a $20 off coupon at Nordstrom to spend next year, and might make an exception if Nordstrom re-introduces the Halogen seamed knit skirt.

However, I have really reached the point where my wardrobe is in a good place, has a great deal of flexibility for different dress codes or climates, and feels very much like *me*. I need to cull items I no longer wear instead of adding new pieces. And I need to learn to not get bored with my existing clothes, but rather find creative ways to fall in love with them again.

In the next few months I might need to replace underwear or hose/patterned tights, and I need a new sports bra, but other than that I should be set on all wardrobe items for a while. At the very least, I need to go on a "ban" that involves no shopping for small items (like tops or scarves) that tickle my fancy, but I don't need - and instead learn to save up for months towards a big ticket item, like these Fidjis that I have had my eye on. Maybe if I SYC for 6 months, the Fidjis might even go on sale. Or I can save my $$ towards the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July.

I know that many of you just came off of the SYC started by Laura, but others have mentioned that you were thinking about doing one soon. Would anyone be interested in joining me?
(If not, I'll still be doing it and will probably post about my SYC-related experiments here.)

Shopping

44 replies

Latest reply was from Laura

Maya

Veteran

You read my mind Kari. I gave myself six months to go crazy and spend like I have never spent before (it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, after all), but now I really need to reign myself in.

For me, the ban would probably not work for six months. I was very unhappy with my spring and summer wardrobe last year because I didn't really have the money to update it too much. I had to wear the same six dresses all summer long. I think it could work until April or mid May, but once the weather starts to warm up I will need a refresher.

I also don't know about doing a strict ban. I think I'm less likely to last if I do a strict ban, and more likely to last if I allow myself little trinkets here and there, like earrings or new gloves (and I'll definitely need new bras between now and spring).

I just don't think being strict for the sake of being strict has ever been a productive measure in my experience. Allowing myself some flexibility may come off as undisciplined to some, but I think I just have different goals than others. My goal is not to discipline myself, but just to spend less overall, learn to get the most use out of what I already have, and focus my money on other things. I don't think a strict ban is necessary to accomplish that, and seems rather unreasonable--especially if it's something I have been looking for for a very long time.

So yes, I would love to join you for SYC--but on my own terms

(also, remember the Great YLF Swap of '11 is happening next month...)

Kari

Veteran

That sounds very smart, Maya. I have done somewhat the same thing as you did during the last 6 months. In 2010 I spent much more on clothes than I ever have before in my life, and I also spent more *per* item on footwear, coats, dresses, etc. As a result the quality control in my closet is a lot higher than it was before - and I am also much pickier!

You live in a true 4 season climate and have *much* more hot weather during the spring and summer than I do, so that would make sense that you would need to spend more during the trickier hot seasons, especially in items (like footwear) that give you complications.
Because Seattle tends to be somewhat cold but not outright freezing for much of the time between September - May, I stocked up pretty well this fall for items that would last during that time period. I only need a limited number of warm-weather clothes for summer and at this point, don't need to add any summer items (unless my Clarks Brulees fall apart or something like that.) But come fall 2011, I'd like to relax my spending restrictions to prepare for our predominant season.

Maya, you are also preparing to move out into your own place, right? During mid-2010, I was in the same situation and focused my spending on things I would need to stock up my apartment. Right now my sister is also in the same deal - living at home and saving money, but interested in collecting household items that she will need when she is able to move out. It would make sense for you to re-focus your wardrobe spending priorities if you are in this situation, especially if you have to save up for a security deposit & first month's rent.

Yes, I'm definitely thinking ahead for the swap. If anything, I need to cull out the items that aren't good enough to bring to the YLF swap! I have piles of discarded clothes taking up space at my parents' house - tops and jeans that don't fit, uncomfortable shoes, thick sweaters that just aren't flattering on a large rack... This is my task in early January.
And hopefully following the Seattle swap, I'll have some new-to-me and fun pieces to add some liveliness to my wardrobe.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Kari, I am interested in joining you. I let myself spend a bit on winter/fall items since I realized it's the dominate season for Seattle (summer/spring - or "sprummer" as some of us have taken to calling it - is so short in Seattle!). This year I realized I had lots of summer things I like but was just getting by with fall items.

Anyway, I have lots of reasons to save: I just finished my MBA and those student loans will be coming due in the spring, plus my husband wants to start his own business which would involve getting things like insurance, a vehicle, business
license, etc. MUCH more worthy expenditures than new dresses or sweaters.

What I really need is inspiration to combine the things I have in interesting ways. I have really be tossing around the web trying to find different sites that speak to me, but am having some trouble. Usually J. Crew, and sometimes sites like the sartorialist and other blogs have inspiration. But this month I've been at a loss.

ETA - Like Maya, I feel that some items don't "count" if they are below a certain amount (let's say $30, for me), or if they are pure necessities such as hose, socks, underwear, bras, etc.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm on a really tight clothing budget right now, so I'll gladly play along for support. I'm only a couple of weeks into this new budget, but I'm already wrestling with myself over what my priorities should be. I have my SIL's wedding at the end of January, and even though I have a perfectly good outfit that will probably be fine, I would really rather get new shoes and accessories to style it a different way. My birthday is in Jan, so I have to decide if I want to spend my birthday money on that or something else. So I guess that instead of Shopping My Closet, the challenge for me will be Staying Within my Budget- but it ends up being just about the same thing

Mellllls

Veteran

Like, chewyspaghetti, I plan to shop my budget. I did not maintain a budget in 2010, mostly because I had no time to track my spending. But I do not intend to let that happen again. But, I don't see a point in limiting my budget anymore than my budget already is. I just don't see the point in not purchasing something if I can afford it.

Kari

Veteran

Jenava, all very good reasons to save. Congratulations again on finishing up your MBA!

I'm on the same page as you - what will keep me going (and keep me from spending on items that I don't really need) is to be more creative with clothing I already have, and also keep a list of "staple" fall-back outfits on hand for when I am feeling stumped. I don't mean something like jeans & a tee shirt, but more like a favorite outfit (gray/white striped knit top, gray pencil skirt, nude microfishnets, slouchy boots, pumpkin cardigan, pearls) that I can put on and instantly feel fab and put together.

Honestly, participating in the capsule wardrobe challenge a year ago really helped me be more creative and experimental at trying different pieces together, and that's what I'm hoping to create with my wardrobe. I'd like to feel like I can take a handful of staple and statement items and come up with many different outfits, and perhaps I need to go on a bit of a shopping ban in order to get myself to do this.

I think you're on the right track about being more flexible with "essentials." For example, if my wool winter coat or rain jacket started falling apart, I'd need to buy a replacement sooner than July. Ditto if I needed a new bra (though I've stocked up somewhat recently.) But I think I need to avoid smaller purchases (like scarves or necklaces) because I already own more of these items than I regularly wear.

Kari

Veteran

Good points, Khris and Mellls. I think that this certainly counts as SYC! My problem is that I haven't been very good about setting or sticking to a clothing budget, and I'm hoping that by really minimizing my purchases to outright essentials, or saving for big-ticket items, I can train myself to budget for what I *really* need.

I'm certainly open to different interpretations about what will work for each of us who are interested in SYC next year - whether it is a somewhat strict 6 month ban that allows for small items or essentials, or not buying *any* new clothes, or just setting a firm budget and sticking to it.

Mellllls

Veteran

I am certainly setting a firm budget, in all aspects of my life not just clothes For me, having an actual number in my head of what I can spend really helps me stay focused, I know I won't deviate from that number but I know not everyone is wired like that. I had no control over my spending last year, because I had no firm numbers in my head.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'll be joining in some aspect. Haven't quite figured out parameters. Won't be able to figure it till I get back from vacation.

taylor

Veteran

Kari, You do have a really FAB wardrobe and are very creative pulling beautiful outfits together...best of luck with your new goals!!

kimlee

Veteran

Kari - I think that this is a great idea. Now that I am finally back on the forums and once again focusing on fashion - I need to give a serious look to my closet. I would like to use the items that I currently have while identifying true gaps. I will likely allow myself to purchase items to feel in the gaps, but only if the items are quality pieces that are going to last for awhile. My top fashion goal for 2011 is to be pickier about the things that make their way into my wardrobe.

Mellllls

Veteran

That's a great goal kimlee!

MsMary

Veteran

I went utterly mad in the last 4 months or so of 2010, first because I lost a ton of weight and had to replace pretty much everything, then because it was so much fun I didn't want to stop!

But I am well set for the rest of the winter and I am in, in, in for 3 months at least.

Kari

Veteran

Kimlee, that sounds like a great goal.
Discernment is something that I am trying to integrate more and more into my shopping and spending habits. Before I buy something I'd like to make sure I know it is fab, that it really feels a need in my wardrobe that other items I already own don't contribute to, that it doesn't break my budget, and that I really will continue to be enthralled with it. I keep thinking of the Ann Taylor Loft scarf that I got earlier this year. I didn't *need* it, but it really filled a niche in my closet - having a big, warm, but not overly bulky scarf that goes with just about every color that I wear. I bypassed it the first time, thinking that it might go on sale later, but came back a few days later after deciding that I would *really* regret missing out on it.

I look forward to the rest of you joining me in whatever respect best suits your needs right now.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm all for a SYC project for your wardrobe, Kari - especially since we wear our Winter clothes until the cows come home around here, AND you have a great wardrobe.

FWIW, I'd like to encourage a shorter time span than 6 months. Start with a one or two month shopping ban first. It seems more manageable and sensible than half a year.

Lisa

Veteran

I like the SYC idea, but I also like Angie's idea to shorten the time frame. Living in a 4 season climate, I don't think I can go half a year without some refresher pieces. But I'm going to start small and go for 1 month at a time. I'm pretty sure I can last a month or even two, once the bulk of spring clothes hit the stores I'm going to need to add some items to that part of my wardrobe.

cciele

Veteran

I really need to SYC in 2011, especially for budgetary reasons. Money is going to be really really tight next year, and I think I've spent plenty this year! My winter/early spring wardrobe is looking pretty good right now, so I think I can SYC for 3 months. I'm going to try a strict ban, but if I notice a basic or necessity (underwear, bra, etc) that needs replacing, I'll probably do that.

So count me in! Hold me accountable!

LeahJanes

I'll join you for 3 months. Give or take.

My clothing is all getting too big for me as I lose weight. I have another 15-20 pounds to lose over the next few months so it makes no financial sense whatsoever for me to continually re-buy clothes that become too big for me. Once I reach my goal size I will replace all the stuff in my wardrobe that doesn't fit any more. Until then it's SYC time.

Kari

Veteran

Thanks for chiming in and being the voice of reason. Okay, my thought right now is to go on a 2 month SYC project from Jan 1 - March 1. March 1 will be a good milestone as well because I'll be returning from a vacation at that point. I will check in and see how my wardrobe and financial decision making is going, and may opt to extend the SYC further. Does that sound good?

I really think that two or three months should be doable, and it would be great if I could stretch it out to six. I may, however, allow an exception if the Halogen seamed pencil skirt comes back, because I have a $20 off coupon waiting and would REALLY like to duplicate the skirt in a color that isn't black or gray.

LeahJanes, congrats on your loss and hard work so far. I'd love to get about 15-20 pounds down from where I am by this time next year - just enough so my current clothes still fit but I can also wear old favorites that are a little too tight right now. (15-20 pounds is about a dress size for me because I gain and lose weight pretty evenly throughout my body.)
Depending on how much a loss of 5-10 pounds at a time affects your clothing size, you may want to consider either having some of your existing clothes tailored or picking up items to get you through the period of weight loss. We have some forum members around here (KristenKP and ChewySpaghetti spring to mind) who have documented their weight loss journeys, and have looked absolutely stylish throughout the process. I think both of them periodically shopped for new clothes.

crazyone

Veteran

I was thinking of joining for a few months with conditions (if I see black boots I like, I'll buy them, blahblah), but instead I think I'll join for January with no exceptions except underwear/socks for emergency purposes. And I'll continue purging and hopefully get down to a nice winter closet.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thumbs up from me, Kari! (And I answered your question back on the Christmas blog post).

LeahJanes

Kari - thanks for support! I'm getting a few things tailored as we speak. I will pick up some (small, likely thrifted) pieces to get me through but I'll try to be creative with what I have - I've had to retire quite a few near new items so far which has broken my heart!

I am finding I am losing the weight pretty quickly (due to oodles of exercise - I am training for an event) so I think I only need to struggle through for another 4 months. I am also needing to budget carefully over the next quarter, so it's a doubly good opportunity to SYC. I'm so glad lots of people are joining in.

AJ

Veteran

I think I would like to somewhat participate...except I will only buy for my "need" list instead of just buying what suits my fancy. Since I'm still on the road, I'll use January to come up with my list and start in February. Not sure yet how long I want to go.

Kari, your goals sound very obtainable and reasonable. You can do it!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Good luck, Kari! My advice would be to try it for 3 months. Two months is too short to really have to get creative, IMO, and four is too many That will take you to spring, and then you can re-up if you want, or take a break. I will be cheering you on from the sidelines this time (thank goodness!!). xx L.

Kari

Veteran

Laura, thanks for your support and seasoned advice. Stretching my SYC out to April 1 may be a good plan to really get a sense of how to go about shopping my wardrobe and culling what I don't need in it anymore.
Are you totally relived *not* to be participating this time?

By the way, do you have a link to the webpage where you had posted about your SYC experiments? (I think you said that you were writing articles about the experience for a magazine, and swear that I had found the webpage at one time, but have lost the link.)

Leah, what kind of event are you training for? Sounds exciting!

I'm glad that others will be joining me, and appreciate the support.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I am relieved (can you tell??) and I don't mean to suggest that you torture yourself longer than necessary, so maybe 2 mos. is enough

Here's the link to my latest article - I was on vacation when it went live - Remember my thread on how to make an outfit scream "holiday"? Well I used everyone's tips and here's the result (I posted the outfits here before, somewhere ...). http://www.makeitbetter.net/be.....iday-cheer

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Kari, now that I'm done with my MBA I'm going to start back on my outfit generator software. I'm going to load all my clothes into a database and write a program to generate new outfit ideas based on a set of guidelines. Hopefully this will help solve my creative block. And also I can run new items by the program and see how many outfits it fits into with my current items, that way I can evaluate it in that way (which is only one way of deciding what to buy, but at least I'll have a program to do it rather than my feeble mind).

Mellllls

Veteran

love the idea of a computer outfit generator!

crwilson

Veteran

I'd like to be in, at least for 2 months, maybe 3. Three seems really challenging, whereas 2 seems a lot more doable. Of course, in anticipation, I'm purchasing a few last minute items that I've been looking at. I think it would be a good exercise for me, though, since I tend to always, always want something new. In general, I'd like to work on appreciating what I have. So yes, I'm in.

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